inunction

American  

[in-uhngk-shuhn] / ɪnˈʌŋk ʃən /

noun

1. the act of anointing.

2. Medicine/Medical. the rubbing in of an oil or ointment.

3. Pharmacology. an unguent.

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inunction British  

/ ɪnˈʌŋkʃən /

noun

1. the application of an ointment to the skin, esp by rubbing

2. the ointment so used

3. the act of anointing; anointment

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Etymology

Origin of inunction

1595–1605; < Latin inunction- (stem of inunctiō ), equivalent to inunct ( us ) (past participle of inunguere to anoint ) + -iōn- -ion. See in- ², unction

Example Sentences

The mercury rub or inunction, under ideal conditions, all things considered, is the best method of administering mercury to a patient with the hope of securing a permanent result.

From The Third Great Plague A Discussion of Syphilis for Everyday People by Stokes, John H. (John Hinchman)

When the patient has been brought under the influence of the mercury, inunction may be replaced by one of the other methods, of administering the drug.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis

In convalescence the warm water and soap bath is to be employed, followed by dusting of the surface with starch powder or by inunction with vaseline.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

The inunction of mild veratrine-ointment is extremely useful, as an adjunct to other treatment, in migraine and supra-orbital neuralgias of suckling women, and of chlorotic girls.

From Neuralgia and the Diseases that Resemble it by Anstie, Francis E.

Pain caused by the stretching of the skin may be relieved by the inunction of the skin with cottonseed or cocoanut oil.

From The Four Epochs of Woman's Life; a study in hygiene by Galbraith, Anna M. (Anna Mary)